New WOOPs award for super senior

Age Concern Wairarapa programme co-ordinator Annette Peters said the organisation was looking for someone that went "above and beyond" for others. FILE PHOTO

Over 65s will have their time to shine when they are acknowledged for their voluntary and community contributions with the inaugural Older Person of the Year Award.

The award is a new initiative by Age Concern Wairarapa WOOPs, and calls for "the senior movers and shakers in our community" to be recognised.

Age Concern programme co-ordinator Annette Peters said they were looking for someone that went "above and beyond" for others.

Anybody can nominate an "older person" who has made a significant contribution to the Wairarapa community.

The only conditions are nominated people must be over 65 years old and a Wairarapa resident of over five years.

"We think it's a really wonderful thing to recognise older people in the community - people that are selfless, that don't think of only themselves and always put others first," said Mrs Peters.

She said the competition would shed light on volunteering opportunities and inspire other people to share their skills within the community.

"A lot of old people in the community do amazing work and it's a good way for them to be recognised for that."

Nomination forms, found inside the Times-Age, Midweek and at the Age Concern office, can be dropped into the Times-Age building, the Age Concern office or posted to PO Box 865.

The closing date for nominations is 3pm on Tuesday, September 8.

"It's not just about people volunteering in the community, it's about going the extra mile and people seeing someone needs a hand and helping them.

"Sometimes it's about getting back to basics," said Mrs Peters.

The winner of the award is going to be announced at the Ageing with Attitude Expo, to be held at the Genesis Recreation Centre on October 1.

Older Person of the Year Award finalists will be invited to attend the presentation.

The expo is celebrating 25 years of service by Age Concern Wairarapa WOOPs.